Baroness Patricia Hollis, former Labour minister, 77

Former Labour minister Baroness Patricia Hollis of Heigham has died after a long illness, her family has announced.

Lady Hollis, who served as a work and pensions minister between 2001 and 2005, and was a former leader of Norwich City Council, died peacefully at home.

Her partner, Labour peer Lord Howarth of Newport, said: “We are hugely proud of Patricia, both as a person and as a politician.

“Her commitment to serving the interests of the disadvantaged and poor was unwavering and powerfully effective.

“And she was a great champion of Norwich, the city she led and loved.”

Former home secretary Charles Clarke said: “It is devastating to hear of the death of Patricia Hollis.

“She was an exceptionally intelligent and passionate Labour politician who was utterly dedicated to the welfare of Norwich.”

Labour leader in the House of Lords, Lady Smith of Basildon, said: “Patricia was fearless in her pursuit of fairness.

“Facts were her weapons and her deep personal commitment to tackle discrimination and poverty gained wider public attention with her incredible speech on plans to cut tax credits.

“Patricia was also good fun, and happy to give me advice on everything from House of Lords procedure to clothes – advice that was both wise and welcome.

“She bore her last illness with immense courage, and we will all share in the pride of her family for all that she achieved and all that she was.”